As the economy continues to sputter, and coveted sports broadcasting positions remain both scarce and fickle, 1050 ESPN New York's Brandon Tierney will hit the Tri-State college hoops circuit to draw attention to local letterwinners and dish out career advice to the next generation of on-air talent.
Why?
"In this market, we tend to focus our resources on professional sports, and overlook the colleges," Tierney said. "This 'road trip' will give our listeners a chance to hear the stories and learn more about local college hoops programs; as a former college athlete myself, I'm very happy to be involved."
The tour will tip-off on January 21, 2010, at Seton Hall University, and will include stops at seven other Tri-State area universities. Each school will be treated to a live broadcast by Tierney (cool Brooklyn accent included), an on-site interview with the men's basketball coach and a unique "pep rally" involving the home team's marching band and cheer squad.
But the value doesn't end when the final horn goes off. Immediately following each broadcast, Tierney will host a seminar open to all students to offer broadcast career advice and answer questions. This presents a great opportunity for aspiring broadcasters to connect with one the most respected, insightful and well-informed personalities in the business.
While most media stars operating in the nation's largest and most competitive market choose to guard their knowledge, Tierney believes it's only right to pay it forward.
"The tour allows me to interact with the next wave of broadcasters, and meet with members of the school newspaper, radio station, and any Journalism majors at each school," he adds. "I enjoy helping proactive interns at 1050 ESPN and young minds looking to crack an extremely challenging field. We have a responsibility to assist those who have a passion for this business, and help them succeed."
Mark your calendars, and get your laptops and questions ready; Brandon Tierney and ESPN 1050 will be making visits to the following schools:
2010 College Tour Schedule:
All Broadcasts are scheduled from 10:00AM-12:00PM
Thursday, January 21 - Seton Hall University - South Orange, NJ
Thursday, January 28 - St. Peter's College - Jersey City, NJ
Friday, January 29 - Marist College - Poughkeepsie, NY
Friday, February 12 - Iona College - New Rochelle, NY
Wednesday, February 17 - St. John's University - Queens, NY
Friday, February 19 - Hofstra University - Hempstead, NY
Friday, February 26 - Columbia University - New York, NY
Wednesday, March 3 - Fordham University - Bronx, NY
Follow Brandon Tierney on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrandonTierney